Description

U.S. Springfield Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen – .30-40 Krag

A true cornerstone of American military history, the U.S. Springfield Model 1896 Krag-Jørgensen was the primary infantry rifle utilized by American forces during the Spanish-American War, and famously carried by Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in Cuba. It holds the distinction of being the first smokeless powder repeating rifle adopted by the United States military.

Widely celebrated by collectors and shooters alike for possessing one of the absolute smoothest bolt actions ever manufactured, the Krag also features a highly distinctive side-loading capsule magazine that can be easily topped off without opening the bolt. Chambered in the historic .30-40 Krag (also known as .30 U.S. Army), this Model 1896 Infantry Rifle is a magnificent, un-sporterized survivor that offers an incredible tangible connection to the late 19th-century American military.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: U.S. Springfield Armory (Springfield, Massachusetts)

• Model: U.S. Model 1896 (Krag-Jørgensen Infantry Rifle)

• Caliber: .30-40 Krag (.30 U.S. Army)

• Action: Bolt-Action (Single front locking lug design, famous for its glass-smooth operation)

• Capacity: 5 Rounds (Unique side-loading rotary/capsule magazine)

• Barrel Length: 30 inches

• Sights: Original Model 1896 adjustable rear tangent sight paired with a fixed front blade.

• Markings: Left side of the receiver is proudly stamped with “U.S. / MODEL 1896. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.”

• Furniture: Original full-length American walnut military stock featuring a straight grip, grasping grooves, and a steel buttplate with a cleaning kit trapdoor.

• Finish: Traditional military blued barrel and barrel bands, with a receiver that was originally color case-hardened.

Condition Report

This Model 1896 Krag is a beautiful, authentic piece of late-1800s military history. It remains in its original, uncut infantry configuration and displays an honest, working patina consistent with its age and service history.

• Finish: Retains approximately 60-65% of its military bluing on the barrel and hardware, which has gracefully transitioned into a smooth, dark plum/grey patina. The receiver, originally case-hardened, has appropriately faded to a mottled silver/grey historical patina. The factory Springfield Armory receiver stampings remain clear and fully legible.

• Bore: Good to Very Good. Considering the era of corrosive ammunition, the bore is highly respectable. It remains generally bright with strong, visible rifling. There is some expected light frosting in the grooves, but it is not heavily pitted or “shot out.”

• Wood: The full-length walnut stock is structurally sound with no major cracks or splits. It displays a heavy, authentic military patina with standard dings, dents, and compressions from service. The wood has not been sanded or refinished, though the original inspector cartouches have softened over the last century of handling.

• Mechanics: The Krag action is legendary for a reason—it operates with a buttery, glass-like smoothness that modern rifles struggle to replicate. The side-loading magazine door snaps open and closed with positive spring tension. The standard military two-stage trigger functions perfectly, and the distinctive flag safety engages securely.

Included Accessories

• Hardware: Equipped with original military sling swivels on the barrel band and buttstock.